This week, passengers in central Barcelona, Spain, had the opportunity to ride for free on the autonomous 'Future Bus', part of an ongoing test of self-driving technology.

The trials, conducted by French automotive manufacturer Renault, feature a small driverless bus navigating a circular route of 2.2 kilometers, which includes four designated stops in the heart of the city.

Renault has partnered with the autonomous vehicle company WeRide to develop the prototype of this self-driving bus, which was initially unveiled at last year’s French Open tournament.

Currently, the bus is being tested on public roads in Barcelona as part of an initiative to explore the integration of autonomous transport solutions into urban settings.

In addition to the trials in Barcelona, Renault has plans to test the autonomous bus in Valence, France, and at Zurich Airport in Switzerland, aiming to assess the vehicle's performance in varied environments.

The ongoing tests are part of a broader push towards the development and implementation of autonomous transportation systems across Europe.